Research

Our 2017 Pete Christensen Wine Grape Short Course was held on December 12 and 13 on the UC Davis campus. The 2-day program brought a full house of industry winegrape growers and winemakers each day. The programs were moderated by Cooperative Extension Specialist in Viticulture, Dr. Kaan Kurtural, and included a full range of topics including the latest research on all things vineyard-related. Our speakers came here from all over California, as well as Oregon and Washington.

UC Davis hosted another successful On the Road event in the Sierra Foothills wine country, in collaboration with farm advisor Lynn Wunderlich. The program on the 28th of November covered a wide range of topics, from using winery wastewater for irrigation by Dr. Anita Oberholster to micro-oxygenation discussed by Professor Andrew Waterhouse. Microbiological issues from friend to foe were covered by Drs. Linda Bisson and Ben Montpetit as well as Lucy Joseph. Like always lunch was shared to exchange ideas about the future and needs of the industry.

The devastating 2017 wildfires in Northern California affected many producers in the wine country of Napa, Sonoma and Humboldt counties. Many questions have arisen about the repercussions on grapes and winemaking in these areas. Researchers at UC Davis are working now to help determine some answers. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by these fires.